06281, Woodstock, Connecticut Overall Health Score Hospital Score

The Hospital Score for the Overall Health Score in 06281, Woodstock, Connecticut is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

## Overall Health Score: Hospitals Near Willimantic, CT (ZIP Code 06281)

Navigating the healthcare landscape can be daunting. This review provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment of hospitals serving the Willimantic, CT (06281) area, focusing on key metrics like quality of care, accessibility, and patient experience. This analysis aims to offer a comprehensive overview, empowering informed healthcare decisions.

**Defining the Scope: Proximity and Coverage**

The primary focus is on hospitals within a reasonable driving distance of Willimantic. This includes facilities in Windham County and surrounding areas, considering factors like travel time and regional referral patterns. This review prioritizes hospitals that residents of 06281 are most likely to utilize.

**Flagship Hospitals and Their Performance**

The cornerstone of this assessment involves evaluating the performance of flagship hospitals, those with a significant presence and reputation in the region. A key indicator is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) star rating, a publicly available system that rates hospitals on a scale of one to five stars based on quality and patient experience.

**Day Kimball Hospital (Putnam, CT):** Day Kimball Hospital, located approximately 20 miles east of Willimantic, is a critical access hospital serving the eastern Connecticut region. As of the latest available data, Day Kimball Hospital has a CMS star rating of three stars. This rating reflects a mix of performance across various quality measures. Day Kimball's strengths often lie in its community focus and commitment to patient-centered care. However, like many smaller hospitals, it may face challenges in competing with larger facilities on specialized services.

**Hartford Hospital (Hartford, CT):** Hartford Hospital, located approximately 30 miles west of Willimantic, is a major tertiary care center and a flagship hospital within the Hartford HealthCare system. Hartford Hospital consistently receives high marks for its comprehensive services and advanced medical technologies. Hartford Hospital currently holds a CMS star rating of four stars. This reflects its strong performance in areas such as patient safety, readmission rates, and timely and effective care. Its status as a Level I trauma center is a significant advantage, providing rapid and specialized care for critical injuries.

**Saint Francis Hospital (Hartford, CT):** Saint Francis Hospital, also located in Hartford, is part of Trinity Health Of New England. Saint Francis Hospital is another major tertiary care center serving the region. The hospital has a CMS star rating of three stars. Saint Francis Hospital has a strong reputation for its specialized services, including heart care and cancer treatment.

**Accessing Care: Emergency Room Wait Times and Telehealth Options**

Accessibility is a critical component of overall health. This includes evaluating emergency room (ER) wait times and the availability of telehealth services.

**ER Wait Times:** ER wait times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, the severity of the patient's condition, and the overall patient volume. While specific, real-time wait times fluctuate, it's essential to consider average wait times when choosing a hospital. Hartford Hospital, due to its size and resources, generally has a shorter wait time than smaller hospitals. Day Kimball Hospital, as a critical access hospital, may experience longer wait times, particularly during peak hours.

**Telehealth:** Telehealth services are becoming increasingly important, offering convenient access to healthcare providers, particularly for follow-up appointments and consultations. Both Hartford Hospital and Day Kimball Hospital offer telehealth options. Hartford HealthCare, the parent organization of Hartford Hospital, has a robust telehealth program, providing virtual visits for a wide range of specialties. Day Kimball Hospital offers telehealth services, including primary care and specialty consultations.

**Specialty Centers and Services**

The availability of specialized services is a key factor in determining a hospital's overall health score. This includes specialized centers for cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, and other critical areas.

**Hartford Hospital:** Hartford Hospital boasts a comprehensive range of specialty centers. The hospital's Heart and Vascular Institute is a nationally recognized center for cardiac care, offering advanced treatments for heart disease. The hospital's cancer center provides a full spectrum of cancer care, including radiation oncology, medical oncology, and surgical oncology. Hartford Hospital also has a strong orthopedic program, providing advanced surgical and non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal conditions.

**Day Kimball Hospital:** Day Kimball Hospital offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology, orthopedics, and oncology. While Day Kimball Hospital may not have the same breadth of specialized centers as Hartford Hospital, it provides essential services to meet the needs of its local community.

**Patient Experience and Satisfaction**

Patient experience is a critical component of overall health. This includes factors such as communication with healthcare providers, the cleanliness of the hospital environment, and the overall satisfaction with the care received. CMS star ratings incorporate patient experience data, providing valuable insights into patient satisfaction levels.

**Hartford Hospital:** Hartford Hospital generally receives positive feedback regarding patient experience. The hospital's size and resources allow for a focus on patient-centered care.

**Day Kimball Hospital:** Day Kimball Hospital often receives positive feedback regarding patient experience, particularly regarding the personalized care offered by the hospital.

**Additional Considerations: Community Health Needs and Resources**

Beyond hospital-specific metrics, it's essential to consider the broader community health needs and resources. This includes factors such as access to primary care physicians, mental health services, and preventative care programs.

**Willimantic and Surrounding Areas:** The Willimantic area has several primary care providers and specialists. The availability of mental health services is a key consideration. The area is served by community health centers and mental health clinics.

**Specific Hospital Considerations:**

* **Day Kimball Hospital:** While Day Kimball provides essential services, residents may need to travel to larger hospitals like Hartford Hospital for more specialized care or advanced treatments.
* **Hartford Hospital:** Hartford Hospital offers a comprehensive range of services and is a strong choice for complex medical needs. However, the distance from Willimantic may be a factor for some residents.
* **Saint Francis Hospital:** Saint Francis Hospital, located in Hartford, is another option for residents. Its proximity to Hartford Hospital can make it a convenient choice.

**Data Limitations and Caveats**

This review relies on publicly available data, including CMS star ratings and other publicly reported metrics. Data is subject to change. The review does not include a comprehensive analysis of all hospitals in the region. Individual experiences may vary.

**Overall Health Score Summary**

Based on the available data and analysis, the hospitals near Willimantic, CT, offer a range of healthcare options. Hartford Hospital, with its four-star CMS rating and comprehensive services, emerges as a strong choice for complex medical needs. Day Kimball Hospital, with its three-star CMS rating, provides essential services to the local community. Saint Francis Hospital, located in Hartford, is another option for residents. The best choice for an individual depends on their specific healthcare needs, preferences, and location.

**Recommendations for Willimantic Residents**

* **For complex medical needs or specialized care:** Hartford Hospital is a strong choice.
* **For local care and convenience:** Day Kimball Hospital provides essential services.
* **Consider ER wait times and telehealth options:** Factor these considerations into your decision.
* **Prioritize preventative care:** Regular checkups and screenings are essential for maintaining good health.
* **Consult with your primary care physician:** Your doctor can provide personalized recommendations based on your individual health needs.
* **Research specific specialists:** If you need specialized care, research the qualifications and experience of the specialists at each hospital.
* **Consider patient reviews:** Read online reviews to get insights into the experiences of other patients.
* **Understand your insurance coverage:** Ensure that the hospital and providers you choose are in your insurance network.

This "Overall Health Score" review provides a starting point for making informed healthcare decisions. Residents of Willimantic should use this information in conjunction with their own research and consultation with their healthcare providers to determine the best healthcare options for their needs. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay informed and make proactive choices about your health.